This archive report was first published on 26 October 2021.
On October 26, 2021, Embu Town witnessed a significant crackdown on motorists flouting traffic rules, with tens of vehicles and motorbikes being impounded by the police.
The operation, led by Eastern Region Traffic Commander Jane Kuria, targeted Public Service Vehicles (PSV), heavy commercial vehicles, and boda boda operators in a bid to enforce compliance with road traffic rules.
The crackdown was necessitated by the alarming rise in road fatalities, with the region recording 789 fatalities from 2019 to date.
Ms. Kuria stated that the majority of the vehicles impounded had defective speed governors, while boda boda operators were found to be lacking in insurance, driving licenses, and protective gear for both drivers and passengers.
She emphasized that the crackdown would continue until sanity was restored on the roads, particularly with the lifting of the night curfew allowing matatu operators to increase their business.
“We do not want to create a situation where we will have to put some people out of business, and our humble appeal to motorists is to ensure their vehicles are in good order,” said Ms. Kuria.
Those arrested during the operation would be arraigned in court the following day, with their vehicles being released subject to compliance inspection by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
NTSA Eastern Regional Manager Doris Abaya urged speed governor vendors to ensure that they release standardized gadgets that meet the required specifications, performance, and installation requirements.
By Samuel Waititu
